The high end retailer's attempt to open its doors in downtown Walnut Creek have been hit with a small, but vocal, cry about potential traffic and parking problems Neiman Marcus will bring.

The downtown area is already home to Macy's, Tiffany & Co., Nordstrom and several other stores. Its free parking garages are usually bursting at the walls. But proponents say the city could use the $400,000 in annual sales tax the department store would generate and the NIMBY voices have had some outside help in making their cries sound louder than they are.

The real issue that has angered both residents and former politicians is the financial power of outside interests to shape the debate.